A DEDICATED rheumatology clinic has opened at Frankston Hospital for people suffering from musculoskeletal conditions.
The clinic can treat arthritis and 150 other types of musculoskeletal issues. As well as providing rheumatology services in the outpatient clinic, Frankston Hospital’s upgraded service aims to improve care for patients who are being treated in other areas of the hospital by allowing them to be referred for a rheumatology consult.
Peninsula Health rheumatology consultant Dr Bita Omidvar says the clinic is “the first of its kind at Peninsula Health.”
“Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula has not had local access to a publicly funded outpatient rheumatology for some years, meaning some patients would be travelling two, even three hours to get the treatment they need – which is not very convenient,” Dr Omidvar said.
“We’re bringing world class care closer to home for the local community in Frankston and Mornington Peninsula. Now GPs can refer any patients with arthritis, gout, any sort of inflammatory connective tissue diseases – such as lupus, vasculitis– and those with suspected rheumatological conditions for specialised care to an easily accessible public clinic.
“Hospital inpatients are referred to us by other specialists on wards services or in other departments. This is a game-changer, because previously the admitting team was required to manage any rheumatology condition and sometimes need to transfer the patient to another hospital. Since we introduced this service, we don’t have to do that anymore.”
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 13 April 2021
